Nathalie

I'm doing a SB diet, too. My own version of high protein, low carbs. I may make it official and join you BGB. Even though I don't like you all that much - you're already far far far too sexy for your own good! :mad: (j/k of course) You already look like an "AFTER" pic! I love your enthusiasm though, so you've won me over!

I just called about my appointments today. 3 of them. My PA was switched from cute little Matt to ole goofy Todd. Such a disappointment! I was looking forward to seeing my aqua-eyed PA. Todd is a sweetie, too, but he's a goober in comparison to Matt. Although I can flatter myself by believing Todd wanted a lil up close and personal time with The Natster. :heh: Ya think? I just ate some Weight Control oatmeal. It wasn't very good. :mad: I have 7 more packets of that at home. Have any you had the protein cookie bars? I'm thinking about ordering some. And does anyone use the Isopure protein powder? Maybe I'll venture out on the regular board to see who's using that. I hear it's good, but I wonder if anyone sells the individual packets. It has 50g protein per serving. And only 200 calories. Not bad, eh? And it comes in great flavors - the standard milky ones like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Then in fruity flavors - punch, orange, apple-mango, peach, etc. Zero carb (the chocolate has 3 carbs). Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I need to get my hair done. I'm so worried that it is going to fall out!

No you're not alone. I honked one out at about 3am - sounded like Chewbocca was under my sheets. It rattled my uterus it was so forceful. I've never been this gassy in my life. I think it's all the protein. I am doing high soy, and I remember being a bit more gassy when eating only soy burgers, etc. I'm asking my surgeon for a solution today. Gas-X isn't helping.

I waited too long to eat yesterday. I was literally ravenous. I sucked down 2 pieces of pizza. And then drank a little water because I was SO thirsty. It all blew up in my stomach and I was miserable for *hours* Lessons learned: 1. Even if I'm really busy, I'll take time to eat a little something. 2. Even if I'm really hungry, I will take time to eat slowly. 3. Even if I'm really thirsty, I will not drink for 45 minutes after a meal.

I feel better this morning. MUCH better. It all moved out of my belly, but no kidding: I was uncomfortable until the time I went to bed. I thought I was going to hurl. No more pizza, and you're right, it wasn't that good. I just let myself get tooooo hungry and I ate tooooo fast. CG - glad you didn't follow in my foodsteps. You did VERY well with your eating. StephC - if you're hungry, you eat. If you're not, you don't. When you feel like you want something to eat, think about it. Ask yourself "Am I really hungry?" Or some people say you should wait 15 minutes, and if you're still hungry after that you eat. I think it's a mental game. Though if you do get a snack, make it high in protein and low in calories. I am hooked on string cheese. 70c, 8g protein. jill it sounds like you're doing well with your eating. No kidding. I'd be happy with that. My therapist told me that I'm being too hard on myself regarding my eating. I'm trying to loosen up with my thinking, while maintaining some sense of discipline. I need to get up off my fat ass aand exercise more regularly. I am always tired lately. I was doing so well, but lately not so well. *sigh* Getting dressed for work. Nathalie

You guys, I am sooooooooooo full. I literally ache. I feel like I want to throw up. I promise I'll never do this again. I have been standing up with my arms over my head looking at the ceiling willing my belly to empty. And it's not.

I am dumb. I got the pre-mixed drinks. They are usually $3.75 each. I got 'em for $1.87 each. And the cute lil guy with the big muscles, hard chest and tight buns carried the big ole heavy bags to the car for me. StephC there are some other types of protein drinks that aren't gritty and milky yuck. They are more fruit juicy than milky. Nectar is one type, and the Isopure is another. Isopure comes pre-mixed (which is what I bought) but they also have powder types of the drinks. They're pretty good. The greatest thing about Isopure is that the protein is teeny weeny little. It's light and mixes into water really really easily, even if all you have is a cup and a spoon. It's not clumpy. Ever. I like it a lot. I don't know if you can buy sample packs or not - I'm sure someplace sells them but I don't know where. I ate pizza for dinner, and I am really really really full. We just got a thin crust DiGiorno microwaveable pizza, but I ate 2/3 of it. My belly is so damn full. I ache. I don't know if I need to belch or not, but I feel horrid. I would drink hot water, but I don't want the crust to blow up in my stomach. I am a dummy. A greedy greedy dummy. Steph - congrats on the pound! I think I've only lost a few myself. But girlfriend, it's better than gaining. So you be proud! You're doing great. ChubbyGirl are you trying to get me fired? ARE YOU? *laugh* Because if I were to fool around with this guy (who reports to me, by the way) and the secret got out, I'd be in deep doo-doo. DEEP. Even though he is some kinda cute. Ooooh American Idol is on! Nat

StephC - LOL @ giggling while Dr. Dreamy fondled your stuffins. I LOVE IT! I see my cute lil PA tomorrow for my fill. I'm going to flirt all I wants. I also see the dietician and the exercise physiologist. Can't wait. 1/2 days of work always rock. I also bought a new book today. We're having pizza for dinner tonight. OH! Another score: I went to GNC to get the Zero Carb protein mix. They had 25 of them on sale because they are set to expire w/in the next 2 months. WHA? I bought all 25 of them. $1.87. They're regularly $3.75!! Who rocks? Yeah, me. :clap2: More later. N.

okiefam - Excellent. Did you have to drink the Water? I am totally nervous about tomorrow. I get my first fill then. They didn't say anything about not eating or being on liquids before hand. Did you do any kind of self-imposed special eating? StephC When is your fill again? Today, right? Or am I just mental?

I just had a convo with the billing specialist at the surgeon's office. I got a bill for over $500. WTF? I have insurance and no deductible, so they are straight tripping. She said my insurance company is rejecting claims for some reason, but I got them straightened out. They are going to rebill. I also asked about the cost of fills. They are $125 apiece. WTF? So I had to ask her, she said for the first 3 months they are "free." (As in I've already paid) and then after that, they are billed to insurance. I am happy about that - insurance better not muck it up. I have decided that I need to eat more food. I think I am going to stick with 800 - 1000 calories for 5 days and then do 2 days of more cals. With the exercise and the Water, I should lose rather swiftly, I think. I really want to dump 20 pounds per month for the next few months. By my birthday (July 14) I want to be under 200 lbs. That is 59 lbs away. I don't care if I'm 199.99999999. I went to RL yesterday, and although I only ate 3 coconut shrimp and a few pieces of that yummy seasoned broccoli, I killed 2 of those little herby cheesy buttery biscuits. I was reaching for a 3rd when I had to tell myself "Fat bitch - pull back another biscuit and I'll kick your ass." I literally laughed out loud at the table. oh - one of the guys on my team has a crush on me and has made it clear. HA! He's cute and all, but uhhhhh, I'm his manager. Unfortunately I need my job more than I need "a piece." But oh lord I could use some... (HA!) StephC you made me laugh. Carol, I'll pray for your friends. I love being able to call people by name in prayers. I hope that your friend's son heals. SweetHot - I need you to send me some stuff from the EU. KayDoll - come back to us soon. bkw - how's your dad doing? How are YOU doing? VaB - I hear ya on the restriction and the need to be filled. Aren't those LB comms great? I'm all "I have that!" (But only to myself) claudia - what kind of party are you having? I want to have a Superbowl party, but 1) I don't know who to invite and 2) I wouldn't know what to serve. OH! More drama with my sister and with daycare, but I've gabbed on enough. Love you guys (really, I do)! Nathalie

Patty - Your post made me HOWL! More later. And yes, I hope my shit ain't that saggy, too. My SAVING GRACE in looking at those pictures is that she is 5'4" and went from 310 to 140. I bet she did RNY or something else drastic. She was rough wasn't she? Like a burn victim or something. Just... gotdamn. And did you see the scars around her waist? Man, she was hurtin... Please Jeebus don't let it be me!

StephC - and you do look good! The first few pounds are most visible, I think. That's when you lose weight in your face and neck. And that's what most people look at and judge weght loss by. After that it's a while before people really notice. But one day you'll stroll into the office like 3 sizes down and their eyes will pop! LOL Don't be discouraged. Measure yourself and know that all of your eating right and exercise is making little differences every day! Oh, and StephC - the hubby-think was cracking me up! "Stay off the rocks" made me laugh, too. Like you're going to get run ashore or get stuck on the rocks. CCS is great exercise though! Work it girl! b'man, work it out on that elliptical, gal! I didn't make it yesterday either. I don't know what's wrong with me. I am fatigued lately, I think I'm not getting enough diversity in my diet, and I'm not getting enough fresh fruit/veggies. I'm going to work on it. 4x per week is my goal. 45 minutes a shot. I'm going to have to pray on it. Shit, it's already Tuesday. I have 6 days to hit 4x on that elliptibeast. bkw - how ya doin, gal? You finding more time for yourself this week? I'm failing to find 30 minutes per day to take care of myself and just pamper me. And I am really depressed that I don't have the disposable income right now to get my nails done and my feet done and my hair done like I used to. I'm just going to have to tighten up a bit. And do a little OT each week! I saw pics of a woman who had body recontouring after bariatric surgery and I cried. Her body was scary. Even AFTER the surgery her body was jacked up. I hope to God that's not me. http://www.glphs.com/holley/photo.cfm?STORY_ID=7787&Procedure_ID=27&StartRow=1 *sigh*

I JUST SAID THAT TODAY!!!!!!!!!!! NO ONE at work has mentioned a thing. I think they probably notice, but don't say anything, as people can be sensitive with weight issues. As for me, I started at almost 300 pounds, so it will take a sizeable loss before people will freely say "I can see a difference." I'm not offended. I plan to keep on dressing in my baggy ass pants and oversized jackets until Spring. Then one day when the weather gets nice, I'm going to walk into the office in some pants/clothes that friggin show off my curves. I'll stroll into the office like Oprah without that wagon of fat. HA! Yeah, that will be a happy day. happy happy happy I have a full wardrobe of clothes to wear as a size 20. With my fill on Thursday, I fully anticipate losing 20 lbs by 2/14. And then, my steady gals, it's going to get ugly. I imagine myself going to work in see through blouses and midriff tops. HAHAHHA j/k I can't wait though. I. Can't. Wait. Keep taking measurements B'man. Keep taking your measurements and doing what you're supposed to be doing for yourself. Eventually they'll look up and say "WOW! YOU LOOK LIKE A WHOLE NEW PERSON!" And you can beam and say, "Really?" ahaah It'll sneak up on 'em. As you see I think about this quite a bit. I can't wait to start running again. I am going to buy a jogging stroller to push the kid in. I also want to start roller blading. Have you ever seen a 300 pound woman on roller blades? It ain't cute. I fell once and took my skates off right there on the path - walked back to my car. I can't wait to rollerblade again. I'm rambling. Nathalie P.S. GO CHICAGO! I am soooo jazzed about the Superbowl! I have been doing the Superbowl Shuffle for 2 days now. Even broke out my Chicago Bears STARTER jacket. WOOOOT WOOOOOOOOOOOT!

I have Photoshop 9 and can change the file type for you. PM me if Carlene is unable to change the file type and I can do it for you no problem.

Hi December Divas - Sounds like everybody is rockin' it. Isn't it amazing how we quickly adjust to our new way of eating? I am absolutely thrilled with my results and look forward to my fill on Thursday. I just ate 2 sausages and a string cheese. I WANT RESTRICTION! So listen Mommas. I have a pile of clothes that I'd like to get rid of. I originally posted in the clothes swap thread, but the girl who said she wanted them has disappeared. They are primarily business clothes - size 26 and 28. I am 5'8" tall. Grey/black/khaki/navy colors, with some jackets, linen pieces, etc. I sent a PM to siyah as she asked after the other girl, but I haven't heard back from her. If anyone wants them let me know, otherwise I'll repost on the Clothes Swap thread. Siyah, of course, has first dibs. But I thought I'd let you know they're available. If you want pictures, I can post some. Trying to find the energy to exercise today. I'm beat. *Sigh* Nathalie

B'man - Please don't be mad, okay? "oooooooooooooooo, shit" made me f*cking HOLLER! I could just hear you saying it and I knew you meant it. Thanks for the tip. I 'm filled on Thursday. I'm going to stick with mushies and shakes for a while. LOL I just love you, gal! bk - glad your Dad is back home. I pray for you guys every night. Anybody heard from KayDoll? I bought a D&B report on the mattress company today. I'm writing a letter - sending it certified - to every person listed as an owner or an executive manager. Somebody is giving me a new mattress dammit. Just had dinner at a friend's house. I did well with the food - my toddler ate more than I did. However, I totally killed myself with the drinks. We drank some rapper beverages called X-Rated. LOL It's like one of those Alize drinks. It was sooooooo good, and sooooo strong! I am totally tipsy, and yes I drove home - but she literally lives across the street. I can see her living room from my living room. ahahah Okay, going to bed now. Love you ladies! N.

Hi wootsie - Post away. Read the previous pages for the answer to your question about posting here. You're welcome to join us. edie - you're doing great with your band! I think I only go 30 -45 minutes about 3 days per week now. I feel like I'm slacking compared to you! My goal is to get to 5-6 hours/week. Just came to say I'm home. My boy had a great check up - he's 37" and 32.5 lbs. 18m. Big and handsome. And yes, the sitter is charging $3.50/hour. HAHAHA Yeah, $3.50/day is too good to be true! FUNNY. I'm such a goober. More later. And updated pics, too! Nathalie

Stephanie - I TOLD YOU! When Jennifer Hudson sang her song, did people in the theatre applaud? OMG! I was weeping when she sang, I felt her pain and I felt that emotion. She was phenomenal. And yes, she carried the movie. THAT is why Beyonce is so mad - because Beyonce (aka Bouncy) thought she was going to be the star of Dreamgirls. My my my how mad she is that she was overshadowed by a NOBODY! And wasn't Eddie Murphy good? He was so good and so tragic at the same time. I loved it. I want to see it again, and I will definitely buy it when it comes out on DVD. I saw it on Broadway when I was in HS, but I don't remember it being that good. The movie was just bigger than life for me. I'm so proud of JHud - I have loved her since she sang The Circle of Life on AI. (Cease gushing) But seriously, I'm so glad you went to see it. I loved it until they started singing the dialogue. That part I could have done without. Phenomenal. I TiVo'd Oprah today, and will watch it when I get home. I'm at my Dad's house tonight, my little one has his 18m check up tomorrow morning. It's snowing out, so I didn't want to chance driving on the slick roads tomorrow morning. My Dad is renting his house while he winters in South Florida, so I feel like an interloper in Daddy's house. Oh well. I called to let them know I was coming, so I think it's okay that I'm here. *shrug* Patty - I am SO glad to hear that your fill is painless. Seriously, I effing HATE needles, so I have been flipping out, seeing it's a week until my fill. But seeing how I ate a tunafish SANDWICH today (including 85% of the bread) followed by some fruit and 3 squares of chocolate, I need a fill POST HASTE! Oh Steph - I have a friend from Pittsburgh, Cheryl. We used to party together. I remember the first time she said "Yins" to us. I believe I fell in the floor laughing. Of course I was pretty zooted, but man she cracks me up! I lived in Pompano Beach, FL for a few years (which is where my son's father still lives (Miami Beach)) and Cheryl would call and say "Would you like to come to the beach with my friend Harry for cocktails?" or mention having cocktails or smoke a doob with Harry. ahahahahahah HE WAS HER IMAGINARY FRIEND. She wouldn't talk about Harry when we were sitting together laughing, but that was our code for "let's go to the beach and act like we're insane." Man I love Cheryl. She's FUN! KayDoll - how was the workout? Once again I have failed to work out. I am going to hit the stairmaster downstairs in the morning. I totally have a love/hate relationship with that devilmeister. It hurts and makes me feel gorgeous and accomplished at the same time. I have a great lead on an in-home child care provider. I hope she is reliable. I am giving her 3 unscheduled absences - meaning she has 3 times to call in the morning and say "I can't be there." And then she is out. She is willing to come to my house for $3.50 per day - 7:30am - 4:30pm. Not bad, right? Keep your fingers crossed. We have an interview on Saturday afternoon. Mattress update: I talked to the sales manager and he said he can't take it back because it's been out of the store for over 90 days. He suggested that I sell it on Craig's List. Uh huh. So I am looking to find out who HIS boss is. SOMEBODY is going to let me return this mattress. I am about to do some research on the company, find out who the owner is, as well as if they have a board of directors, and write them a letter. I'm also going down there tomorrow to speak with the sales manager one last time before I send this letter. It's ridiculous that I ache so badly when I wake up and they are unwilling to stand by what the sales person told me. I told my friend I felt like shitting in that man's coffee when I hung up the phone. But I digress. I think that's all. I haven't been hungry since 12:00pm, so I didn't eat dinner tonight. I had 3 clementine segments while I was feeding my little one, and some Water. I have a packet of unjury, but I am not hungry at all. I'll have it for Breakfast or something. I am not sure, but I think I'm rambling, guys, so I'll catch ya later. LOL n.

The girl from the first night who tried to sing Prince's KISS made me howl. She STILL makes me laugh myself to tears when I think about it. She snapped the whole way through and couldn't remember the damn song. OMG! But when she sashayed in the circle as part of her routing IN SPITE OF THE FACT that she couldn't remember the words? I lost it completely through and through. Plus she wasn't speaking English as a first language, was she? AHHAHAH The 2 weird guys who met at the idol tryouts - the one who simon called a Bush Baby? HAHAHAHHA I laughed at them a lil too hard, because I felt badly afterwards. But my friend saw them and said, "Oh shit, here come Timon and Pumbaa" and that sent me over the edge. Yes, Red was scary. Really truly scary. I have both nights saved on my TiVo, and I think I'm going to watch it again this weekend. I can't wait until Tuesday!

b'man - eat a 2000 calorie day, then drop the next few days to like 800 calories. I bet that moves the scale. It helped with me. StephC - thanks, I think that my son's father in his life is good if he is consistent. The problem has been that he is present for 2 months, then is uninterested for 6 months. He may pop up at Christmas, maybe not. It's frustrating. I have a couple of college students who help out as needed, but I need someone FT for the next few months. Starting dinner is not necessary - I cook in bulk, so I pull things out of the freezer and heat them up. (individually packaged lasagna, meatballs, vegetable casseroles, etc.) My meals are easy right now. I'm goin to lunch with a friend now. Don't want to go, but I am sick of this office today. Nathalie

Is it possible that I lost 8 pounds already since Sunday? That's what the scale shows. I'm not complaining, I'm back on track. I think it was the bloat and the p-rot. I also ate very well yesterday - I bet I had 1000c and 80g protein. (lots of salmon) I also had 5 sugar free popsicles last night after dinner. Loved AI last night. My friend called those 2 weird guys "Timon and Pumbaa" which made me howl. I have decided to find someone to come to my house to watch the baby until the new daycare opens up. I put an ad up on Craig's List and have had 2 responses so far. Keep your fingers crossed. That will totally help me out. I don't like the present day care at all. Not at all. Drama at work, as usual lately. Also drama with my son's father. He's been a non-presence since learning of the baby. Now he wants to step in and send money and get to know the boy. Which I guess is a good thing, but it's just pressure on me. He's in FL, which is good. And he's telling me that he knows he screwed up and he recognizes my efforts and blah blah blah. Just hard. I exercised the past couple of days, but only for 15 minutes at a time. I need to up it. I have a weigh in next week Thursday. And a FILL! I can eat chicken and bread, but I don't know about steak. I want to tell 'em to "fill a bitch." HA! No time for personals, but I love you guys, keep up the good work and I'll be back later on today to catch up. I'm getting ready for an 8am conf. call. N.

I almost backed out. I was in the hospital gown, no IV in my arm yet, but I was ready to BOLT. I had even told my family "I think I changed my mind." I screwed my courage to the sticking place and went through with it. I'm so glad that I did. It's slow going, and harder than I thought it would be, but I am happy in spite of my slightly-difficult recovery. Don't think of this as a failure, only a tiny little setback. I had to wait 2 MONTHS because my Iron levels were too low. Talk about a mental blow. The 2 weeks will pass in no time, and you want to be at optimal health before going through major surgery. Good luck, and I am glad you joined us! Nathalie

thinde - B'man's surgeon posted that blasted video! WTF?! I thought, "He calls that HELPING?!" Ha! and LOL @ "Pasta Whore." I'm a sugar whore, myself. I had 2 little squares of chocolate today and sucked them slowly so I could savor every flavor molecule. damn it was good. I blame the p-rot. KayDoll - another 2.6 pounds? You are friggin shrinking before my eyes! Congratulations! I'm jealous, because I have stopped losing. I think I'm starving my body. I estimate I'm still eating 700 calories per day or so. I need to bring it up. I'm getting all my protein, not enough water, and my period has me cranky and emotional. Day by day. B'man - I have no restriction. 1 cup of food is about where I cut myself off, though I am trying to stop with less. I had 2 glasses of protein smoothie the other day and was filled to the gills, but it emptied out quickly. I just counted roughly and am doing 25 - 30g carbs per day. With my trip last week, I fell off the exercise bandwagon. I'm so jealous of everyone's down-moving tickers! I truly truly truly have got to get off of my big fat round lazy dimpled yellow butt and mooooooooove. I got a box of great clothes today from Faybie. All professional clothes and I can't fit a damn thing yet. I've missed you guys. Work is kicking my butt, my sick boy is wearing me out, and I need to go to bed early. Why? SO I CAN GET UP at 5am to exercise! Hey, did any of you guys see Dreamgirls? I am so jazzed about Jennifer Hudson's Golden Globes win. She sang that song so hard, people in the theatre were openly crying. (including my sappy ass). AND!!!! Tonight is American Idol! Oh man. I am there, front and center. I friggin LOVE that show. Nathalie

New Recipe: 1/3c Light Ricotta Cheese 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 pkg splenda =150 calories Beat the hell out of it in the food processor. Tastes like a light, delicious protein-infused mousse. More later. My had has been a WHIRLWIND! I was in the office at 6am today and have been running ever since. Major changes at my company today. I have no idea what they means in terms of long term job security, so I plan on busting my hump so that I don't get laid off/downsized.

mousecrazy, I understand what you meant. I like Barak and his views. I'd definitely vote for him. The Repubs are already at it - did you see they called him "Osama" on a CNN program? Shame, really. He seems like a nice guy. I also agree that he is too young and currently inexperienced to be president right now.